Liver cancer in cats and dogs
Encyclopedia
Tumors that develop within the liver
may be either benign
(noncancerous) or malignant
(cancerous). Tumors can start in the liver, or spread to the liver from another cancer in the body. Malignant liver tumors have been reported to metastasize to other organs such as regional lymph nodes, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, spleen and others.
techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound
, computed tomography
(CT), and magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI) are often used in evaluating animals with suspected liver tumors. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration or needle-core biopsy of liver
masses is a useful diagnostic tools that are minimally invasive to obtain samples for histopathological
analysis.
to the liver. There are not many treatment options for animals who have multiple liver lobes affected.
Liver
The liver is a vital organ present in vertebrates and some other animals. It has a wide range of functions, including detoxification, protein synthesis, and production of biochemicals necessary for digestion...
may be either benign
Benign
A benign tumor is a tumor that lacks the ability to metastasize. Common examples of benign tumors include moles and uterine fibroids.The term "benign" implies a mild and nonprogressive disease. Indeed, many kinds of benign tumors are harmless to human health...
(noncancerous) or malignant
Malignant
Malignancy is the tendency of a medical condition, especially tumors, to become progressively worse and to potentially result in death. Malignancy in cancers is characterized by anaplasia, invasiveness, and metastasis...
(cancerous). Tumors can start in the liver, or spread to the liver from another cancer in the body. Malignant liver tumors have been reported to metastasize to other organs such as regional lymph nodes, lungs, kidneys, pancreas, spleen and others.
Signs and symptoms
Clinical signs are often vague and include weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, and possible jaundice.Diagnosis
Medical imagingMedical imaging
Medical imaging is the technique and process used to create images of the human body for clinical purposes or medical science...
techniques such as X-rays, ultrasound
Medical ultrasonography
Diagnostic sonography is an ultrasound-based diagnostic imaging technique used for visualizing subcutaneous body structures including tendons, muscles, joints, vessels and internal organs for possible pathology or lesions...
, computed tomography
Computed tomography
X-ray computed tomography or Computer tomography , is a medical imaging method employing tomography created by computer processing...
(CT), and magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging
Magnetic resonance imaging , nuclear magnetic resonance imaging , or magnetic resonance tomography is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structures...
(MRI) are often used in evaluating animals with suspected liver tumors. Ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration or needle-core biopsy of liver
Liver biopsy
Liver biopsy is the biopsy from the liver. It is a medical test that is done to aid diagnosis of liver disease, to assess the severity of known liver disease, and to monitor the progress of treatment.-History:...
masses is a useful diagnostic tools that are minimally invasive to obtain samples for histopathological
Histopathology
Histopathology refers to the microscopic examination of tissue in order to study the manifestations of disease...
analysis.
Treatment
Surgical treatment is recommended for cats and dogs diagnosed with primary liver tumors but not metastasisMetastasis
Metastasis, or metastatic disease , is the spread of a disease from one organ or part to another non-adjacent organ or part. It was previously thought that only malignant tumor cells and infections have the capacity to metastasize; however, this is being reconsidered due to new research...
to the liver. There are not many treatment options for animals who have multiple liver lobes affected.